Burn Permits

How to Obtain a Burn Permit

Outdoor burning permits are required any time there is no snow on the ground. Only certain materials can be burned. Household refuse and garbage are never allowed to be burned.

Effective July 1, 2026, a new Vermont law (Act 162) changes how Town Forest Fire Wardens are designated. Under this law, the Chief of the department with fire protection responsibility automatically serves as the Town Forest Fire Warden.

Burn permits are not required when snow completely surrounds the site to be burned.  

Campfires meeting the state’s definition generally do not require a burn permit. However, debris burning and larger fires still require a permit, and all outdoor burning must be conducted safely and in accordance with any state or local burn restrictions.

What is considered a campfire?

-36 inches in diameter or less, and built in a fire ring, outdoor fireplace, or stone arch, or;

-36 inches in diameter or less and located at least 200 feet from any forestland or field containing dry grass or other flammable vegetation contiguous to forestland.

Brush burning, debris burning, and any fire that does not meet the definition of a campfire require a burn permit.

Please remember:

-Outdoor fires must always be attended.

-Have a means to extinguish the fire readily available.

-Burning may be restricted during periods of high fire danger or poor air quality.

-Call 911 immediately if a burn pile or any fire is out of your control or cannot be extinguished.  

Thank you for helping keep our communities safe. If you have any questions about whether your fire requires a permit, please contact one of the Fire Wardens before burning.

Please note:
Burn permits may require 24 hours notice.
Burn permits will not be issued until you have had a conversation with the Fire Warden. You may contact him by phone to begin the process.

Additional information about wildland fires in Vermont is available from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s Wildland Fire Division.

Additional information about outdoor burning is available from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality and Climate Division. If you wish to apply for a permit to burn construction, demolition or commercial waste, please call the Air Quality & Climate Division.